Ok been toying for a while with starting a label to release fresh vinyl. Would be showcasing various producers and mainly dubplates and unreleased from the last 30 years or so. I seemed to have accumulated a bit that seems worthy of a wider audience. Just wondered if any one had any tips or pitfalls to avoid? Not really looking at it as a financial exercise but on the other hand not looking to lose money either. All advice gratefully receivedcheersGrubby

Thanks, but not really the question I was asking. Already understand the production manufacturing costs etc. I guess I was more interested in the experiences and pitfalls to avoid from anyone who has gone down this road. I have spoken to numerous people about this over the years and have friends who have labels/ shops etc. they have given me some advice but I was looking to see if anyone on the board had their experiences to share. Just to be clear. I AM NOT EXPECTING TO MAKE A PILE IF CASH. Just trying to avoid losing too much. Anyone wants to share their experience then thanks in advanceGrubby

Just like you at a casino, determine how much you are willing to lose before you go into it. Even breaking even may not be a realistic expectation these days, so you have to go into this expecting to lose just about every penny that you invest.

Make sure you have clearance in writing from the owners of the work, and make sure that they actually own what they are representing. Get cash up front wherever possible, and be prepared to do whatever it takes to collect what is owed from distributors and retailers. Be ready to point the artists to the producer (or person you licensed the tracks from) when they inevitably call asking for royalties.

Don't follow leaders, watch the parking meters. That's all from me, but I am sure that there is more.

in my opinion (based on pressing new productions, not vintage material), the first pitfall too avoid, if possible, is not paying too much to get the rights on the music you want to manufacture (say hundreds of pounds, not thousands, if that mean anything). then make sure you pay standard prices for master/laque/stampers (i.e. avoid some "big" mastering studios who claims they will enhance a lot the quality of your music y using their machines). afterwards, one advice i would give is to press in large quantity (if possible 1000). you may end up with a large stock but if the music is good and well pressed (and it has to be), then you will sell enough...(if they well distributed, and in time).

Thanks for the advice guys. Since I posted this originally the label thing has already started to blow up. Seem to have tapped in to something at the right time with the right people. Some exciting projects on the way... watch this space!